New shop brings Ireland to Troy

Left to right, Downtown Troy Business Improvement District executive director Katie Hammon, owner Stacey Weinberger, her fiancé Sam McKissick and Troy Mayor Patrick Madden during a ribbon cutting ceremony for new shop Taste O Ireland, located at 195 River St. in downtown Troy.
LAUREN HALLIGAN LHALLIGAN@DIGITALFIRSTMEDIA.COM

TROY, N.Y.>> One new River Street shop is bringing a Taste O Ireland to downtown Troy.

Taste O Ireland, located at 195 River St., is a new retail store offering diverse and delicious products from Ireland and the U.K.

After a soft opening last Saturday, the new business celebrated its grand opening on Tuesday at a ribbon cutting ceremony with officials from the City of Troy and the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District.

Owner Stacey Weinberger, originally from northern Ireland, found when she moved to the states she was craving and missing certain food items from across the pond, specifically chocolate.

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Since immigrating to the U.S. 12 years ago, Weinberger has been searching and dreamt of having her own store featuring items from her homeland.

“When I came here from Ireland I couldn’t get any of the foods from back home without ordering it and spending a fortune on shipping,” said Weinberger, who now lives in Ballston Spa. So she started looking at spaces to start a store in the Capital Region, until finding the right one in downtown Troy. “It’s got character,” she said, “and it’s in a really good location. I really like this spot.” Furthermore, she likes the people of Troy and being right along the Hudson River.

Along with a wide variety of different chocolate treats, Taste O Ireland carries chips, cookies and soft drinks for snacking, as well as pies, pastries, sausages, puddings and Irish soda breads.

All products are important from Ireland and the U.K., for expatriates and locals alike to enjoy.

“My hope is that I will be able to bring a taste of Home to the Irish and British American community at a price that is affordable,” the owner said in a press release.

So far, customers have especially been interested in the shop’s jams, meat pies, and sausages.

Previously a stay-at-home mom, Weinberger said she’s always wanted to have her own store.

The new entrepreneur’s goals for the future of her business is simply to be successful, hopefully to the point of someday franchising Taste O Ireland.

“We’re excited that you’ve come to Troy,” said Downtown Troy Business Improvement District executive director Katie Hammon during the ribbon cutting ceremony, noting that the lower River Street area has seen an influx of new businesses in recent months. “We’re excited that you’re here and we hope that you stay here for a long time,” she continued, congratulating the new shop owner

Troy Mayor Patrick Madden also expressed his congratulations at the Taste O Ireland ribbon cutting. “This is great. It’s a nice selection that we don’t see elsewhere in the city,” he said after browsing the store shelves. “It adds to the culture of the city. It adds to the vibrancy of the city and we’re delighted that you’re here.”

Following these remarks, City Councilman Bob Doherty ended the ceremony by singing an Irish song about County Down, where Weinberger used to live.

Taste O Ireland is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and until 8 p.m. on the last Friday of each month for Troy Night Out.

Taste O Ireland can also deliver orders within a 10-mile radius of Troy.

More information on Taste O Ireland is available online at www.facebook.com/staceytasteoireland.